Authors Note: The title Tumbling Leaves is a metaphor. Brief hint at the rest of the story: when one person likes the other -Anakin/Padme- the opposite doesn't. Thus, it is like a tumbling leaf.

One side is facing the sun, the other in darkness; but, no matter what, there will always be a destination.

This story will be much longer then my last story Troubled Hearts, Troubled Minds, and will have longer chapters. I wrote the last one in one sitting so that I could post the story here at once, to save you the trouble of checking back and seeing if I have updated yet. Since I want to make this story better and think everything through without writing freehand, I'm going to do chapters at a time. I hope you enjoy the story. Reviews are most definitely welcome ).

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for the few that I make up. (You will see them in later chapters.) So forth...

Also: In this story, Jedi are allowed to love, thus they are allowed to date. So please don't flame me about that. I think that whole concept will make this story more interesting and less complicated.

Read on and enjoy! D

Tumbling Leaves

By Pautsz

"I haven't seen her in ten years, Master."

"She's not the Queen anymore, Anakin," replied Obi-Wan.

"That's not why I'm nervous."

Jar Jar Binks, an old friend of theirs, happily escorted the two into the interior of now Senator Amidala's apartment, only after first hugging them both enthusiastically and repeatedly stating how very happy he was to see them. Also mentioning, how tall "Little Bitty Ani" had grown.

Anakin couldn't concentrate on happy greetings right now. His stomach was churning, his hands cold and clammy from sweat, and couldn't remember what he was supposed to do when the time came to greet Padme. He had gone over this moment in his head ever since he had left her to go learn to become a Jedi. The second meeting between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Naberrie. It was going to magical. He'd say something sophisticated, she'd swoon and then eventually fall in love with him like he was with her. But what was he going to say again? Had he decided on kissing her hand, or a friendly hug? His head was beginning to ache. He hadn't had much experience with girls. Back at the Jedi Temple, he had only had one girlfriend. But that didn't last very long. He had accidentally said Padme's name instead of her name and then that was the end of it. Maybe he would tell Padme this and then she would take it to heart and kiss him.

Anakin laughed to himself. "Yeah, sure…She'll go for that."

His thoughts were interrupted by Jar Jar's voice.

"Shesa expecting yousa. Ani... Mesa no believen!"

Obi-Wan nudged Anakin's shoulder. "Ready for this?"

"Never been more ready in my life, Master." Lie. Well I guess I just need to wing it. Hopefully all goes well.

"Mesa here. Lookie... lookie... Senator. Desa Jedi arriven!" That was their cue.

Anakin's stomach was doing unending cartwheels

Imagine if I threw up on the Senator. That made his stomach worst.

Anakin had his eyes down the whole time, but when he heard Obi-Wan say, " It's a pleasure to see you again, M'Lady," he glanced up.

It took his breath away. He couldn't help if he was staring. She looked amazing. Padme had the same facial features as she did all those years ago, but there was something different about her as well. She looked mature, professional, responsible. Her big brown eyes threw a shot at Anakin. He didn't know what she was feeling. He was usually good at that kind of stuff, being force sensitive and all, but Padme was blocking her emotions well. ...As if she didn't want him to know at all what went through her mind that very moment. He guessed the reaction in her eyes were of pure confusion. She probably got practice at it all the time being a politician.

Or maybe pure love he thought.

Anakin, stop it. Pay attention to what they are saying. It was Obi-Wan. He was listening in on what Anakin was thinking. He hated when he did that.

Well if you kept your mind on one thing sometimes then I wouldn't have to do it so often.

I am Master, replied Anakin on Padme.

Senator Amidala then walked over to the two Jedi.

She moves like an angel.

He remembered the first time he told her that. He was in his shop back on Tatooine. She came in with Qui-Gon. He could have sworn there was a light radiating from her body.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, M'Lady," repeated Obi-Wan. Padme then took his hand in hers. An shot of jealousy coursed through Anakin's body.

"It has been far too long Master Kenobi. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again... but I must warn you that I think your presence here is unnecessary."

She has a beautiful voice Anakin thought as he closed his eyes for a moment and took every word, every second in. He didn't want to forget today. He opened his eyes. Senator Amidala was looking into them. Again, there was that same look in her big, shiny eyes he had seen earlier. And again, he didn't know what it was. She's blocking her emotions again.

"Ani, my goodness how you've grown!" They looked at each other for a long time. He decided it was his turn to talk. He needed to win her over with this one.

"So have you... grown more beautiful, I mean... and much shorter... for a Senator, I mean."

Anakin! Said obi-wan in his mind. That's not what you say to the Senator.

Anakin wasn't listening. He was paying attention to the beautiful woman in front of him. He thought that it was a good line until he saw the same look cross her face and then a fake laugh come from Padme. Maybe that look is a good thing.

I think not, Anakin, says Obi-Wan.

"Oh Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine." And with that she walks away. Embarassed, Anakin trained his eyes on the intricate rug on the floor. Little boy? He thought angrily. I've grown! She said it herself.

"Our presence will be invisible, M'Lady, I can assure you."

"I'm very grateful you're here, Master Kenobi. I'm Captain Typho, head of Her Majesty's security service. Queen Jamillia has informed you of your assignment. The situation is more dang-" Anakin zoomed out. He could care less about what this Typho person was saying. Master Obi-Wan could retell him later. But little boy? Now the flying feeling in his stomach was gone, replaced by pure determination. He'd show her that he's grown up. He'd show her that he was more mature than ever.

Padme, I know you'll fall in love with me. I'll make sure of that.

Author: Ooh quite determined aren't we? Don't you just wonder what that look in Padme's eyes really is? No worries, you'll find out soon enough.